The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced plans to relocate matatus operating in Westlands to pave the way for the construction of a centrally aligned median bus bay along the James Gichuru Road Junction–Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (A8/B10) Highway.
In a statement on July 31, KeNHA said the relocation was discussed with officials of the Westlands Matatu Owners Association as part of preparations for the next phase of the road improvement project.
The meeting was led by Corridor A Director Eng. Denis Odeck and attended by Parklands Base Commander Chief Inspector Ann Kinya, with discussions focusing on how public transport operations will be managed during and after construction.
“The meeting, which was also attended by the Parklands Base Commander, Chief Inspector of Police Ann Kinya, focused on strengthening collaboration ahead of the relocation of matatus to facilitate the construction of a centrally aligned median bus bay,” stated the authority.
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KeNHA Explains How the New Bus Bay Will Work
Among the issues discussed were the duration of passenger pick-up and drop-off at the new bus stop, designated U-turn points, provision of public washrooms and the construction of footbridges to provide safe access for commuters using the facility.
Unlike conventional bus stops located along the edge of the road, the proposed bus bay will be built in the centre of the highway. The design is intended to allow buses and matatus to stop without interfering with general traffic, helping reduce congestion along one of Nairobi’s busiest transport corridors.
Passengers will access the station through dedicated pedestrian infrastructure, including footbridges, a move expected to improve safety by separating pedestrian movement from fast-moving traffic.
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KeNHA said the median bus bay is part of a broader strategy to improve public transport operations while making the highway more efficient for all road users. By reducing conflicts between public service vehicles and other motorists, the authority expects smoother traffic flow and fewer delays along the corridor.
The authority added that the wider project will also incorporate non-motorized transport facilities and landscaping works as part of ongoing efforts to modernize the James Gichuru Road Junction–JKIA highway.
“The planned improvements are expected to enhance traffic flow, improve safety for non-motorized transport users, and support more efficient public transport operations within the Westlands area,” KeNHA said.
According to the authority, the consultations with matatu operators form part of its stakeholder engagement process, which is aimed at ensuring the project is implemented while addressing the concerns of transport operators and other road users.
Once completed, the project is expected to ease congestion, improve commuter safety and enhance the efficiency of public transport services along the busy A8/B10 corridor linking Nairobi’s western suburbs to the city centre and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
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